The last day of November reminded us that winter is coming, with snow flurries at dawn. Not a great day for shoeing horses. They don’t love having nails pounded in cold feet. But better to do it before shoes fall off or angles get out of kilter.
Fred called and postponed his visit by two hours for somewhat warmer temperatures, which sounded good to me. It also gave me more time to do barn work.
Of course, I did get a couple of bird pictures before getting to work, but nothing very inspiring…
Goldfinches and a red bellied woodpecker 
A cardinal and goldfinches
The water feature has been problematic for quite a while. We had to fill it for over two hours last night because it is leaking, and so we put in a call to Connie. She advised we turn the pump off to stop the stream, fill the pond and then monitor the water level. If it drops, there is a leak in the pond. If not, the leak is in the stream. We should know tomorrow.
Ice on a rock in the stream 
The stream slows to a stop 
Problem free water feature iced over
Fred arrived and set to work. As usual, it was a lot of fun, with lively discussions.
Hi, Fred! 
Jane watches 
Derry’s feet are getting warm 
Stone gets a hot fit 
Jane and Derry head for home with fancy feet
I asked Jane to stop for a quick picture session to submit to Corinne for this week’s Grooming Award. Bart tried to win, but Derry will be hard to beat.
A dirty horse is a happy horse 
Both sides filthy! Where’s the treat?
Lunch was very late. Afterwards, I visited Harry in the studio to see how things were going. His assistant, Weedy was on duty.
Hard to get work done when there is a good dog to praise 
Weedy follows Harry upstairs 
A different perspective
Finally, after a cold night check, the sky was beautiful, with a full Beaver Moon and glittering winter stars. I tried for a picture, to no avail. Some things have to be lived and remembered.
Stay safe, stay well, look to the heavens when you can.
Living and remembering today today.
Looking to the heavens every day.
Thanks Anne!
Peace
Great hot shoeing pics!!
I made a mistake and turned on the BBC news this morning for the first time ever, in my house that is. I don’t like noise in my comfy house. So I turned off the repetitive and irritating news and went to Bronze Fox Farm, ahhh, a sigh of relief! Hello birds, hello Weedy, hello dirty happy horses, Anne, and Harry and Jane, Hello!
We all send hello and love back to you and Etta.
I’m so jealous! Why don’t you have a million sparrows like we do?
I have wondered about that, Mary! I think it might be because we are pretty rural. Every once in a while I see sparrows, but never flocks of them!
Oisin sends love – he has very fancy feet after yesterday’s attention from Fred.